Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors declares nationwide industrial action over failure to implement revised salaries, raising concerns over healthcare disruption
Nigerian resident doctors under the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have announced the commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike beginning Tuesday, following the Federal Government’s failure to implement revised professional allowances and other key agreements.
The association disclosed that the decision was reached after a series of unresolved engagements with relevant authorities, accusing the government of neglecting critical issues affecting the welfare of doctors across the country. According to NARD, the prolonged delay in implementing the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and settling outstanding arrears has placed immense strain on its members.
Among the demands put forward by the resident doctors are the immediate payment of all owed allowances, full implementation of revised salary structures, improved working conditions in public hospitals, and increased funding for Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The association also highlighted the urgent need to address manpower shortages, which continue to burden existing medical personnel.
NARD emphasized that the strike will continue indefinitely until the government takes concrete and verifiable steps to meet its demands. The body noted that previous assurances and agreements have repeatedly failed to translate into action, leaving doctors with no alternative but to withdraw their services.
The industrial action is expected to significantly impact healthcare delivery nationwide, especially in public hospitals where resident doctors form a major part of the workforce. Patients across Abuja and other parts of Nigeria may face delays in accessing medical care as the strike takes effect.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government has yet to issue an official response. However, health stakeholders have called for urgent dialogue to avert a prolonged crisis in the nation’s already strained healthcare system.
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